The influence of compression strength and patient and wound variables on venous leg ulcers healing.

Background: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) constitute a worldwide public health problem and have a significant impact on patient quality of life. The treatment is complex, with high failure rates. Objectives: The objective was to identify the influence of compression strength and patient and wound variables on VLUs healing. Methods: A total of 102 patients were supervised for 48 weeks since the commencement of the treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to two different compression systems, one group with moderate compression pressure of 35–40 mmHg and the second with high pressure >45 mmHg. Results: Deep venous reflux, dermatitis, ulcer infection, duration of the ulcer, and the ulcer size (US) are statistically significantly lower (P < 0.001) in patients with healed wounds. These factors have also shown statistical significance related to prolonged healing time. Patients with VLU in which high pressure was applied, healed considerably faster in relation to VLU in which moderate pressure was applied (P = 0.008). Conclusion: Deep venous reflux, dermatitis, ulcer infection, duration of the ulcer, and the US were independently correlated with worse healing rates. Higher compression pressure leads to faster and higher proportions of VLUs healed. The authors recommended a holistic approach to wound healing with careful and individualized assessment of risk factors among patients with VLUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]